FOR the second consecutive weekend, Tynedale is being battered by heavy rain and strong winds.

Three flood warnings, advising immediate action is required, and four flood alerts urging residents to be prepared, have been put in place by the Environment Agency as river levels are expected to continue to rise on Saturday night and into Sunday morning.

The River Tyne, River Rede, River South Tyne and River North Tyne are all being closely monitored in the district.

Met Office chief meteorologist, Steve Willington, said: “Storm Dennis will bring another very unsettled spell of weather this weekend with a risk of flooding, particularly in parts of England and Wales and also southern Scotland, where snow melt will add to the flood risk.

“Following Storm Ciara last weekend and further spells of rain this week, the ground is already saturated in places. With Storm Dennis bringing further heavy and persistent rain over the weekend, there is a risk of significant impacts from flooding, including damage to property and a danger to life from fast flowing floodwater.

“Our advice is to keep an eye on the latest weather forecast and weather warnings for your area and to follow the safety advice from officials.”

At Kielder, river levels have risen on the River North Tyne as a result of heavy rainfall and snow melt with flooding expected in the remote village.

Flooding is also expected along the River Rede at Otterburn, West Woodburn and Redesmouth, and along the River South Tyne at Haydon Bridge.

It's set to be another unsettled night for many residents who are still cleaning up and counting the cost of the damage caused by Storm Ciara.